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WHO WAS HILDEGARD OF BINGEN AND WHAT WAS THE INFLUENCE OF HER TEACHINGS

HILDEGARD OF BINGEN

By Miss Shamim AkhtarPublished 2 months ago 4 min read
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WHO WAS HILDEGARD OF BINGEN AND WHAT WAS THE INFLUENCE OF HER TEACHINGS
Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash

Introduction

1. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a multifaceted figure. She is famous for her contributions to various fields such as theology, medicine, science, and physiology. Her work was deeply rooted in medieval thinking (Brigo 2018). Her visions provide a unique insight into her spiritual and artistic expressions (Fox 1985). A collection of essays on her life and works offers a comprehensive overview of her output, including her reputation and the materiality of the transmission of her works (Bain 2021). Her musical oeuvre including songs for saints, is also a significant aspect of her legacy (Kienzle 2014).

Biography of Hildegard of Bingen

2. Hildegard of Bingen is a 12th-century Benedictine nun, her life and work defy easy categorization. Gössmann (1989) suggests that while she was familiar with the philosophical currents of her time. It is more appropriate to view her as a theologian by taking into account the visionary nature of her writings. However, Hildegard's influence extends beyond her theological contributions, as she is also a significant figure in the fields of alternative healing, art, and music (Hildegard 1989). Her correspondence, which includes letters to both high-ranking individuals and ordinary people, provides a unique window into the twelfth-century world (Hildegard 1994). Fox (1985) highlights her diverse talents, including her role as a composer, theologian, and artist, and her visionary experiences.

Hildegard's Teachings

3. Hildegard of Bingen was a visionary who believed her prophecies were divinely inspired (Czarski, 1999). Her poetry, including the Ordo virtutum, reflects her main concerns, particularly the drama of salvation history and the restoration of harmony between God, heaven, and humanity (Härdelin, 2015). Her works were grounded in her monastic and liturgical environments (Bain, 2021). Hildegard's teachings and message centred on her visions, the drama of salvation history, and the restoration of harmony between God and humanity. Her allegorical world picture influenced her thought and art, and she was a pioneer in the field of science, particularly in the study of the stars and botany (Burnett 1998). Hildegard's writings and visions also emphasised the interconnectedness of the individual with creation and the importance of healing and salvation (Schipperges 1991).

Influence of Hildegard's Teachings

4. Hildegard of Bingen's teachings and prophecies significantly impacted the clergy and the wider community in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the fear she instilled in the local clergy (Kerby-Fulton, 1987). Her influence is also evident in the design of the Rupertsberg Scivias manuscript, where she used images to convey her theological insights (Campbell, 2013). Schipperges (1998) further explores Hildegard's influence, discussing her understanding of wholeness and her theology of music and art. Riha (2011) examines her didactic strategies in 'Causae et curae', highlighting her unique approach to medicine. These studies collectively demonstrate the enduring influence of Hildegard's teachings across various domains.

Contemporary Relevance

5. Hildegard of Bingen's teachings continue to be relevant in the modern world, as evidenced by the resurgence of interest in her work (Cameron, 2013). Her prophetic insight, particularly on gender and the priesthood, offers valuable perspectives for contemporary theological and political discussions (Thompson, 1994). Despite her conservative views on women's roles, Hildegard's modern attitude towards human sexuality and her struggle for self-expression are noteworthy (Grant, 1980). Furthermore, her writings on medical ethics provide insights that are still applicable today (Gresser, 2016).

Conclusion

6. Hildegard of Bingen's teachings encompass a wide range of topics. Her letters address diverse matters such as health, salvation, and the fate of departed souls (Hildegard 1994). She also presents a cosmologically oriented art of healing, a universal vision oriented on mystic enlightenment, and an aesthetic dimension of perception (Schipperges 1991).

Reference

1. Brigo, Francesco, Eugen Trinka, Bruno Brigo, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi and Mariano Martini. “Epilepsy in Hildegard of Bingen's writings: A comprehensive overview.” Epilepsy & Behavior 80 (2018): 135-143.

2. Fox, Matthew J. and Saint Hildegard. “Illuminations of Hildegard of Bingen.” (1985).

3. Gössmann, Elisabeth. “Hildegard of Bingen.” (1989).

4. Hildegard, Saint and Heinrich Schipperges. “Hildegard von Bingen.” (1989).

5. Czarski, Charles M.. “J OURNAL OF M ILLENNIAL S TUDIES V OLUME I , I SSUE 2 Kingdoms and Beasts : The Early Prophecies of Hildegard of Bingen.” (1999).

6. Schipperges, Heinrich. “[Hildegard von Bingen: physician--mystic--poet].” Schweizerische Rundschau fur Medizin Praxis = Revue suisse de medecine Praxis 80 51 (1991): 1438-45 .

7. Kerby-Fulton, Kathryn. “Hildegard of Bingen and Anti-mendicant Propaganda.” Traditio 43 (1987): 386 - 399.

8. Riha, Ortrun. “["Because the mole sometimes shows itself" argumentative structures in Hildegard von Bingen 'causeae et curae'].” Sudhoffs Archiv 95 2 (2011): 222-34 .

9. Cameron, Cynthia L.. “Who IS This Woman, Anyway?- Hildegard Interpreted in the Twenty-First Century.” Lumen et Vita (2013): n. pag.

10. Victor, Hugo von St.. “Medizinische Ethik bei Hildegard von Bingen.” Ethik in der Medizin 10 (1998): S92-S103.

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About the Creator

Miss Shamim Akhtar

I am a humble teacher, language specialist, and mentor dedicated to fostering growth through knowledge sharing. Let's explore the world of knowledge together in pursuit of excellence and professional development. #EducateInspireGrow

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